subject: Keloid Treatment Options [print this page] Scars are generally grouped into three categories: sunken (atrophic) scars, raised (hypertrophic) scars, and keloids. Anyone can develop any one of these scars, however, keloid scars seem to be the most predominant and most difficult type of scar tissue to treat.
Keloid scars can arise from any type of wound: cuts, burns and inflammatory reactions such as acne. As they develop, they begin to grow past the edges of the original site of damage and may sometimes keep growing for several years.
Simply stated, keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried everything and still haven't been able to remove the scar tissue, nevertheless, the high recurrence rate of this type of scar can complicate the success of surgery.
Keloid Treatment: a Holistic Approach
Doctors have come to learn that keloid scar removal must be approached from different perspective. In fact, a global treatment plan has offered the most successful way to eliminate keloid scars for good. A combination of surgery, steroid injections and compression therapy is what can make keloid removal successful.
To help flatten out the scar, most doctors will apply steroid injections before and after surgery. The doctor may also decide to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. This is done to help reduce the rate of recurrence.
Compression therapy involves a custom fitted garment that should be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can sometimes be used in place of surgery but only when treating minor scars. In case your scar removal does require surgery you can also use it as a post-op treatment to help reduce the possibility of a new keloid formation.
Compression garments and bandages are usually worn for long periods of time which may mean anywhere from several months to a year or more. No one knows how this works, but there is speculation that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological processes that leads to the development of keloids.
Other Alternatives for Keloid Treatment
Laser therapy is a commonly used for keloid treatment. This type of treatment uses a pulsed-dye laser to effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, you may have to submit yourself to various sessions in order to get the best results.
Some doctors use silicone sheets to help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much like compression devices, but are only worn a couple of hours every day.
Smaller keloids can be treated with cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen using liquid nitrogen which helps flatten the scar although it also causes a slight darkened appearance at the site of injury.
by: Martha Fitzharris
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